April 11 was the 100th anniversary of Anchorage’s first classical music concert, “A Longfellow Evening,” first performed in 1921 at the Empress Theatre. In honor of the event, the Anchorage Festival of Music reenacted the concert in its entirety, with every participant representing one of the original performers. I had high expectations for the historical talk, which preceded the performance, and the concert itself, but the excellence that transpired was simply beyond words.
I was moved to tears so many times during the performances. The level of research and detailed reenactment had the profound effect of placing the audience in one concert occurring in two time zones, 100 years apart.
I would not have thought such a reaction possible. The near-serendipity of discovering the original concert, the dedication of Laura Koenig in researching and pulling all the bits and pieces together, the selflessness of the performers who delivered so beautifully without hope for applause, David Haynes’ talented and entertaining performance as professor William Parrish, both recitations by Gigi Lynch, the sweet sound of Kara Guggenmos’ voice, the classical piano and violin, and the choral cantata of the “Wreck of the Hesperus”; it was all so absolutely wondrous!
The exquisite detail of illustrating the story of Hesperus using period art and locally tinted period photographs made the entire endeavor even more perfect. This presentation was a true gift to the people of Anchorage. I encourage anyone who appreciates classical performance or Anchorage history to visit anchoragefestivalofmusic.org for an unforgettable experience.
— Sheila Lankford
Anchorage
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